Earth losing ability to fend off global warming, UC study finds

Scientists speeding through decades by supercomputer are concluding that the Earth’s built-in resilience to global warming — the great carbon storage capacity of its oceans and forests — could be coming to an end.

Climate researchers know the world’s plants, soils and seas recently have been absorbing billions of tons more carbon dioxide than in the past 400,000 years. This “breathing biosphere” in essence has kept more than 60 percent of human fossil-fuel emissions from trapping solar energy in the atmosphere and warming the planet.

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The study by Fung’s team suggests that leveling carbon dioxide emissions off now or at least within 30 years could preserve the planet’s flexibility.

“There is a window of opportunity,” she said.

Inside Bay Area – Daily Review